Process for Culturing Bacteria of the Family Streptococcaceae

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to an improved process for culturing bacteria of the family Streptococcaceae (such as of the genus lactococcus), a medium for culturing the bacteria, and the obtained bacteria cells.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to an improved process for culturing bacteria of the family Streptococcaceae, a medium for culturing the bacteria, and the obtained bacteria cells.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Bacteria of the family Streptococcaceae (which are lactic acid producing bacteria) have previously been propagated in different media, such as media containing yeast extract. US patent application 20050032196 [INRA, France] discloses the propagation of lactic acid bacteria of the genus Lactococcus lactis (which belongs to the family Streptococcaceae) in the standard laboratory medium M17 which contains peptone, lactose and yeast extract.

There is still a need for providing improved media for propagating lactic acid bacteria of the family Streptococcaceae, which media can result in a higher yield of cells, and of cells having an improved viability, thereby reducing the cost of production.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present inventors have found that when cells of the family Streptococcaceae, especially of the genus Lactococcus, are cultured aerobically in a medium containing biomass (“single cell protein” or an autolysate) obtained from a methanotrophic/methylotrophic microorganism of the species Methylococcus capsulatus, it is possible to obtain a surprisingly fast growth rate of the cells, a surprisingly fast adaptation of the cells to the medium at the start of the culturing, and a surprisingly high concentration of cells as compared to the concentration of cells obtained when a similar medium containing yeast extract is used.

In accordance with this finding, the above objective has been solved by the present invention, which in its broadest scope provides a process for culturing a bacterium of the family Streptococcaceae in a nutrient medium, which comprises biomass, obtained from a methylotrophic and/or methanotrophic microorganism.

WO 03/089625 A2 [Norferm Da, Norway] discloses a method for culturing Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus acidophilus (both of the family Lactobacillaceae) in a medium containing biomass of Methylococcus capsulatus NCIMB 11132, Ralstonia sp. NCIMB 13287, Aneurinibacillus sp. NCIMB 13288 and Brevibacterium agri NCIMB 13289 (biomass produced as described in WO 01/60974). From the growth tests (example 6) it can be concluded that replacement of yeast extract with the same amount of BP (biomass of methanotrophic bacteria) in the MRS standard medium does not result in an improvement in the number of viable cells (table 7 and 8; comparing row 2 with row 5 in both tables). WO 03/089625 A2 is silent about culturing bacteria of the family Streptococcaceae.

In contrast to the above findings for Lactobacillus, the present inventors have surprisingly found that replacement of yeast extract with the same amount of BP when culturing a strain of Lactococcus results in an surprising improvement, such as in growth rate, see example 1 and FIG. 1.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE

In a first aspect, the present invention pertains to a process for preparing (or propagating) a bacterial culture, including a lactic acid bacteria (LAB) culture (such as a starter culture or a probiotic culture), comprising culturing at least one strain of the family Streptococcaceae (such as of the following genera: Leuconostoc, Enterococcus, and Lactococcus) in a nutrient medium which comprises biomass obtained from a methylotrophic and/or methanotrophic microorganism. In other words, the invention pertains to a process for culturing (or propagating) a strain of the family Streptococcaceae, said process comprises culturing in a nutrient medium as defined above, and a process for culturing (or propagating) a bacterial strain of the family Streptococcaceae, comprising inoculating the bacteria in a nutrient medium as defined above. Especially, the invention pertains to a process for increasing the growth rate, and/or improving the viability of the Streptococcaceae cells.

The nature of the biomass is not crucial, it can be in the form of cell material, such as whole cells; a lysate of the microorganism, such as an autolysate, hydrolysate or homogenizate; an extract of the microorganism, such as the water soluble fraction of the lysed cell; or a mixture of any of these. The cell material, lysate or extract may optionally be treated, e.g. hydrolyzed, dried and/or filtrated. The advantageous effect of the biomass is anticipated to be present even if a small amount of the biomass is added to the nutrient medium, but it is preferred that the biomass, especially the extract or lysate, is present in an amount of 0.1 to 50 g/L nutrient medium, such as in an amount of 1-40 g/L; 3-30 g/L; 2-10 g/L; 0.1-10 g/L; 1-5 g/L or 5-15 g/L.

In an interesting embodiment, the methylotrophic and/or methanotrophic microorganism has been cultured on a substrate comprising as the primary carbon and/or energy source a compound which is partly (compared to a carbohydrate) or fully reduced (or which contains carbon in a lower oxidation state than in carbon dioxide), such as on a substrate that, as the primary carbon and/or energy source, contains a compound having a ratio C/C+O (no. of carbon atoms/{no. of carbon atoms+no. of oxygen atoms}) in the range 0.6-1.0, such as in the range 0.8-1.0 or in the range 0.9-1.0. The substrate can comprise a compound selected from: an alkane, preferably a C1-C6 alkane, such as methane, ethane, propane or n-butane; an alkanol, preferably a C1-C6 alkanol, such as ethanol or methanol; and an alkene, preferably a C2-C6 alkene, such ethylene, propylene, or 1-butylene. Conveniently, the methylotrophic and/or methanotrophic microorganisms have been produced by fermentation on a substrate containing a hydrocarbon fraction or containing an alkane containing gas, such as natural gas. It is anticipated that some microorganisms (not being classified as a methylotrophic and/or methanotrophic) are able to utilize a compound as defined above as a carbon source. The biomass of such a microorganism (e.g. when cultured on a substrate as defined above) may be used in the process for preparing a bacterial culture. Such a process is an embodiment of the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment of the process of the invention, the methylotrophic and/or methanotrophic microorganism is a Methylococcus species, including Methylococcus capsulatus (such as NCIMB 11132). Other microorganisms that might be used include: Methylomonas species, such as M. rubra, M. methanica, M. gracilis, M. albus, M. clara, M. agile; Methylococcus species, such as M. luteus, M. ucrainicus, M. thermophilus; Methylosinus species, such as M. sporium, M. trichosporium; Methylocystis species, such as M. fistulosa and M. parvus, Methylobacter species, such as M. whitterbury, M. lutes.

In addition to the biomass of the methylotrophic and/or methanotrophic microorganism, the nutrient medium may contain biomass (such as whole cells, an extract or a lysate) obtained from at least one of the following species: Ralstonia sp. (inc. NCIMB 13287), Aneurinibacillus sp. (inc. NCIMB 13288) and Brevibacterium sp., such as B. agri (inc. NCIMB 13289). It is presently preferred that the biomass is “BioProtein” (essentially spray-dried autolysed Methylococcus capsulatus) obtainable from Norferm AS, Norway. The biomass can be produced as disclosed in WO 01/60974, but it is anticipated that also a fraction of the Methylococcus biomass can be used in the process of the invention. Such a fraction may be a lysate wherein a component (e.g. a component which has an negative effect on the LAB or the yield of the process) has been removed.

The nutrient medium may comprise at least one further component, such as a carbohydrate (inc. lactose or glucose); and/or a complex component (such as yeast extract or a peptone); and/or a porphyrin source (such as blood or a fraction thereof, including heme and hemin); and/or a mineral salt.

In a preferred embodiment, the strain of the family Streptococcaceae belongs to a species selected from the group consisting of Lactococcus sp. (such as Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis (including biovar diacetylactis) or Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris); Leuconostoc sp. (including Leuconostoc mesenteroides); and Enterococcus sp.

The physical parameters of the process of the invention is not anticipated to be critical, but it is presently preferred that the culturing is carried out under aeration, e.g. the culture is aerated so as to maintain an oxygen content, which is at least 2 micromoles per liter of culture medium. The temperature is preferably in the range of 20-45 degrees C., such as in the range of 25-40 or 30-35 degrees C.

The process of the invention may further comprise at least one steps selected from: harvesting the bacteria, preferably between 5 and 24 hours after the start of the culturing, such as by centrifugation or filtration; storing the harvested bacteria, such as at approximately 1-5 degrees C; freezing or lyophilizing the harvested bacteria; storing the frozen or lyophilized bacteria; and packaging the harvested bacteria (optionally in frozen or lyophilized form).

In a second aspect, the invention pertains to a nutrient medium for propagating bacteria (including LAB) of the family Streptococcaceae, which medium is defined as above, such as a medium which contains whole cells, an extract or a lysate of a Methylococcus species, including Methylococcus capsulatus.

In a third aspect, the invention pertains to a process for preparing a LAB culture (including a starter culture) comprising culturing at least one strain of the genus Lactococcus under aeration in a nutrient medium of the invention.

In a fourth aspect, the invention pertains to a LAB culture (including a starter culture) obtained by the process of the invention, such as a culture of Lactococcus lactis, including Lactococcus lactis subspecies lactis and cremoris. The culture of the invention differs from the known cultures of the same species in that its cellular components are optimized for a high growth rate and a high viability, possible due to the culture containing specific components originating from the growth medium.

In a fifth aspect, the invention pertains to a method for preparing a fermented product, comprising inoculating a medium (such as milk or a crop) to be fermented with a lactic acid bacteria starter culture according to the invention. The prepared fermented product is also an aspect of the present invention.

In a further aspect, the invention pertains to the use of biomass obtained from a microorganism cultured on a substrate that, as the primary carbon and/or energy source,

-   -   does not contain a carbohydrate; and/or     -   contains a compound having a ratio C/C+O (no. of carbon         atoms/{no. of carbon atoms+no. of oxygen atoms}) in the range         0.6-1.0, such as in the range 0.8-1.0 or in the range 0.9-1.0;         and/or     -   contains an alkane, preferably a C1-C6 alkane, such as methane,         ethane, propane or butane; and/or     -   contains an alkanol, preferably a C1-C6 alkanol, such as ethanol         or methanol; and/or     -   contains an alkene, preferably a C2-C6 alkene, such ethylene,         propylene, or 1-butylene;         for the preparation of a medium for preparing/propagating         bacteria (including LAB) of the family Streptococcaceae. In a         preferred embodiment, the invention relates to the use of the         biomass obtained from a Methylococcus species, including biomass         from autolysed Methylococcus capsulatus cultured on a substrate         as defined above, for the preparation of a medium for         preparing/propagating lactic acid bacteria of the family         Streptococcaceae, including the genus Lactococcus.

DEFINITIONS

In the present context the term “strain of the family Streptococcaceae” designates a bacterial strain of one of the following genera: Streptococcus, Leuconostoc, Oenococcus, Pediococcus, Aerococcus, Gemella, Enterococcus, and Lactococcus; all of which are facultative anaerobic, catalase-negative, fermentative, G+cocci. Examples of species included within this term are: Enterococcus aerogenes, Enterococcus faecium, Lactococcus (previously Streptococcus) lactis, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis biovar. diacetylactis, Lactococcus lactis subsp. diacetylactis (previously Streptococcus diacetylactis), Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris, Lactococcus acidophilus, Lactococcus cremoris, Leuconostoc carnosum, Leuconostoc citrivorum, Leuconostoc dextranicum, Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. cremoris, Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides, Oenococcus oeni (previously Leuconostoc oenos), Pediococcus acidilactici, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus, Streptococcus cremoris, Streptococcus diacetylactis, Streptococcus durans, Streptococcus faecium, Streptococcus lactis and Streptococcus thermophilus (previously Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus).

The term “carbon source” refers to a material containing at least one carbon atom which can be enzymatically converted into an intermediate for subsequent conversion into the desired carbon end-product. Exemplary carbon sources include biomass, starches, dextrins and carbohydrates.

The term “culture” is well known in the art, and includes a culture containing a single strain of a bacterium, or more than one bacterial strain. The term “starter culture” is well known in the art, and includes a bacterial culture that is suitable for use in e.g. dairies and agriculture (silage). The term “probiotic culture” is well known in the art and includes a culture of bacteria capable of passing the gastro-intestinal tract in an essentially viable and live form and optionally also being capable of stimulating the host's immune system.

The term “methylotrophic microorganism” includes microorganisms that can use, as substrates for growth, C1 compounds containing carbon in a lower oxidation state than in carbon dioxide (such as methanol, methylamine, and methane). The term “methanotrophic microorganism” includes microorganisms that can utilize the gas methane. Methanotrophic microorganisms are often considered to be a subset of methylotrophic microorganisms. Examples on methanotropic/methylothopic microorganisms are: Methylomonas species, such as M. rubra, M. methanica, M. gracilis, M. albus, Methylomonas 16a (US6689601B2), M. clara, M. agile; Methylococcus species, such as M. luteus, M. ucrainicus, M. thermophilus, M. capsulatus; Methylosinus species, such as M. sporium, M. trichosporium; Methylocystis species, such as M. fistulosa and M. parvus, Methylobacter species, such as M. whitterbury, M. lutes.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising”, “having”, “including” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention. All references mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Growth of Lactococcus in Media with Added Bioprotein

Lactococcus lactis strain CHCC2862 (obtainable from Chr. Hansen A/S, Denmark) was used to inoculate 1.5 L medium as specified below in a 2 L Applicon fermenter with pH and temperature control. The pH was controlled by addition of concentrated ammonia to 5.9. The temperature was constant at 34° C., and stirring was maintained at a high level at 1200 rpm in order to ensure efficient aeration from a 0.5 vvm air flow. The medium used was the standard growth medium M17 with extra added lactose (40 g/L) and Hemin (1 ppm) in order to enable extended growth (control medium).

Fermentations with the additions to the above medium as described in the following table were performed. BioProtein (essentially consisting of spray-dried autolysed Methylococcus capsulatus biomass) was obtained from Norferm AS (Norway), yeast extract was obtained from BioSpringer (no. 0207), and Hemin was obtained from Fluka (prod. no. 51280).

Biomass measured as optical density (600 nm), hours after start Addition 2 5 8 15(end) None (control) 0 2 8 20 Yeast extract (5 g/L) 0 3 15 23 BioProtein (5 g/L) 2 11 22 23

Addition of BioProtein obviously is a large improvement. The improvement is significantly larger than the improvement obtained with addition of yeast extract, especially early in the fermentation. Further advantages of adding BioProtein are revealed from the growth curves (see FIG. 1), such as (i) the growth starts immediately, (ii) the growth rate is fast, (iii) the cells can be harvested early after the start of the culturing, and (iv) the final amount of biomass/number of viable cells is high.

In summary: The addition of Bioprotein is a very large improvement of the growth of Lactococcus lactis, both with respect to fermentation time and biomass yield.

Example 2

Lactococcus lactis strain CHCC2862 was used to inoculate 1.5 L medium as specified below in a 2 L Applicon fermenter with pH and temperature control. The pH was controlled by adding concentrated ammonia to 5.9. The temperature was constant at 34° C., and stirring was maintained at a high level at 1200 rpm in order to ensure efficient aeration from a 0.5 vvm air flow. The medium used was the standard growth medium M17 with extra added lactose (40 g/L) (control medium). Yeast extract or Bioprotein were added to the control medium as defined in the table.

Medium Lactococcus lactis M17 + 40 g/L lactose (control) Control + Biospringer yeast extract (5 g/L) + Control + BioProtein (5 g/L) ++ +: Growth somewhat better than the control ++: Growth significantly better than the control

Example 3

Using the same conditions as in example 2, Lactococcus cremoris strain CHCC4462 (obtainable from Chr. Hansen A/S, Denmark) is propagated in the following media:

Medium Lactococcus cremoris M17 + 40 g/L lactose (control) Control + Biospringer yeast extract (5 g/L) + Control + BioProtein (5 g/L) ++ +: Growth somewhat better than the control ++: Growth significantly better than the control

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

REFERENCES

-   U.S. Pat. No. 6,689,601 B2 -   US 2005/0032196 A1 -   WO 03/089625 A2 -   WO 01/060974 A2

All references cited in this patent document are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. 

1. A process for preparing a bacteria culture, comprising culturing a strain of the family Streptococcaceae in a nutrient medium which comprises biomass obtained from a methylotrophic and/or methanotrophic microorganism.
 2. The process of claim 1, wherein the biomass is selected from the group consisting of: cell material, such as whole cells; a lysate of the microorganism, such as an autolysate, hydrolysate or homogenizate; and; an extract of the microorganism, such as the water soluble fraction of the lysed cell, said cell material, lysate or extract optionally being treated, e.g. by hydrolysis, drying and/or filtration.
 3. The process of claim 1, wherein the biomass is present in an amount of 0.1 to 50 g/L nutrient medium, such as in amount from 1 to 40 g/L; 3 to 30 g/L; or 5 to 15 g/L.
 4. The process of claim 1, in which the methylotrophic and/or methanotrophic microorganism has been cultured on a substrate comprising as the primary carbon and/or energy source a compound which is partly (compared to a carbohydrate) or fully reduced.
 5. The process of claim 4, in which the substrate as the primary carbon and/or energy source contains a compound having a ratio C/C+O (no. of carbon atoms/{no. of carbon atoms+no. of oxygen atoms}) in the range 0.6-1.0, such as in the range 0.8-1.0 or in the range 0.9-1.0.
 6. The process of claim 1, in which the methylotrophic and/or methanotrophic microorganism has been cultured on a substrate comprising as the primary carbon source a compound selected from the group consisting of: an alkane, preferably a C1-C6 alkane, such as methane, ethane, propane or n-butane; an alkanol, preferably a C1-C6 alkanol, such as ethanol or methanol; and an alkene, preferably a C2-C6 alkene, such ethylene, propylene, or 1-butylene.
 7. The process of claim 1, in which the methylotrophic and/or methanotrophic microorganism is produced by fermentation on a substrate containing a hydrocarbon fraction or containing an alkane containing gas, such as natural gas.
 8. The process of claim 1, wherein the methylotrophic and/or methanotrophic microorganism is a Methylococcus species, including Methylococcus capsulatus.
 9. The process of claim 1, wherein the nutrient medium, in addition to the biomass of the methylotrophic and/or methanotrophic microorganism, contains biomass (such as whole cells, an extract or a lysate) obtained from at least one of the following species: Ralstonia sp. (including NCIMB 13287), Aneurinibacillus sp. (including NCIMB 13288) and Brevibacterium sp., such as B. agri (including NCIMB 13289).
 10. The process of claim 1, wherein the nutrient medium further comprises an additional carbon source, such as a carbohydrate (including lactose or glucose); and/or a yeast extract; and/or a mineral salt.
 11. The process of claim 1, wherein the strain of the family Streptococcaceae belongs to a species selected from the group consisting of: Lactococcus sp. (such as Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis (including biovar. diacetylactis) or Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris); Leuconostic sp. (such as Leuconostoc mesenteroides); and Enterococcus sp.
 12. The process of claim 1, wherein the culturing of the strain of the family Streptococcaceae is carried out under aeration, e.g. the culture is aerated so as to maintain an oxygen content which is at least 2 micromoles per liter of culture medium.
 13. The process of claim 1, further comprising: harvesting the prepared LAB, preferably between 5 and 24 hours after the start of the culturing, such as by centrifugation or filtration; and/or storing the harvested LAB, such as at approximately 1-5 degrees C.; and/or freezing or lyophilizing the harvested LAB; and/or storing the frozen or lyophilized LAB; and/or packaging the harvested LAB (optionally in frozen or lyophilized form).
 14. A nutrient medium for propagating LAB of the family Streptococcaceae, which medium is defined as in claim 1, such as a medium which contains whole cells, an extract or a lysate of a Methylococcus species, including Methylococcus capsulatus.
 15. A process for preparing a LAB culture, comprising culturing a strain of the genus Lactococcus under aeration in a nutrient medium according to the claim
 14. 16. A LAB culture obtained by the process according to claim 15, such as a culture of Lactococcus lactis, including Lactococcus lactis subspecies lactis and cremoris.
 17. A process for preparing a fermented product, comprising inoculating a medium to be fermented with a lactic acid bacteria starter culture according to claim
 16. 18. Use of biomass obtained from a microorganism cultured on a substrate that, as the primary carbon and/or energy source, does not contain a carbohydrate; and/or contains a compound having a ratio C/C+O (no. of carbon atoms/{no. of carbon atoms+no. of oxygen atoms}) in the range 0.6-1.0, such as in the range 0.8-1.0 or in the range 0.9-1.0; and/or contains an alkane, preferably a C1-C6 alkane, such as methane, ethane, propane or butane; and/or contains an alkanol, preferably a C1-C6 alkanol, such as ethanol or methanol; and/or contains an alkene, preferably a C2-C6 alkene, such ethylene, propylene, or 1-butylene; for the preparation of a medium for propagating lactic acid bacteria of the family Streptococcaceae.
 19. Use of biomass obtained from a Methylococcus species, including biomass of autolysed Methylococcus capsulatus cultured on a substrate as defined in claim 18, for the preparation of a medium for propagating lactic acid bacteria of the genus Lactococcus. 